Broncos' Antonio Smith to play in Super Bowl 50 despite father's death

Broncos' Antonio Smith to play in Super Bowl 50 despite father's death

Thursday, February 4, 2016 10:52:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Five days before Super Bowl 50, Broncos defensive end Antonio Smith is dealing with tragedy. Early Wednesday morning, Smith found out that his father, Marty Christopher Williams, passed away in Oklahoma due to complications from heart surgery. According to the Denver Post, Williams had been imprisoned for more than two decades.

He was 58.

"It's rough. I just found out this morning," Smith said, per the Post. "It was my mom who called and told me. The call came in at about 6:30."

Smith told the newspaper that he is still planning on playing against the Panthers on Sunday and will remain with the team as they prepare for Super Bowl 50.

Smith, 34, previously played for the Cardinals, Texans, and Raiders before becoming a member of the Broncos this season. The former fifth-round pick recorded 2.5 sacks this season, increasing his 12-year total to 47 sacks.